Whether or not we’re actually in a recession (it feels like one from where I’m standing), there’s been a lot of discussion about if that could be a good thing for the environment.
The pro side’s argument goes like this: Yes, because people spend less during a recession. That means fewer miles driven and flown, fewer factory items shipped, more items reused and recycled rather than replaced.
Sounds logical, right?
But the con side makes reasonable points, too. No a recession isn’t good for the environment, this argument goes, because less spending means less money for things that benefit the environment: clean technology, green innovations, fair-trade and organic foods, and so on.
Still, while I’m not wishing hard times on anyone, I do see an upside to the current tough economy. Look at all the news stories about moms who now make their own laundry detergent and grow their own vegetables. Or the features about upscale urbanites who are increasingly shopping at second-hand (designer) stores. Or the reports about companies establishing shuttle bus services to get their employees back and forth to reduce individual gas expenses.
From my own perspective, it’s been a little good, a little bad. I don’t always buy organic foods as much as I used to, but I am gardening more. And while I can’t make it out to my favorite co-op as often as I once did (too far a drive when gas is nearing $4 a gallon), I am making more meals from scratch, even baking my own bread and making my own tortilla chips and potato chips.
I have to conclude that, while a recession isn’t in and of itself a good thing for the environment, the awareness it raises of our frivolous spending habits and wasteful ways is a good thing. And if that lasts after the economy revs up again, that’s got to be a plus.
What do you think? I’d be interested to hear how all of you are dealing with tough times and whether you think it’s made you a better, greener person.
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Shirley Siluk Gregory
Shirley Siluk Gregory, a transplanted Chicagoan now living in Northwest Florida, represents the progressive half of Green Options' Red, Green and Blue segment. She holds a bachelor's degree in Geological Sciences from Northwestern University but graduated in 1984, just when the market for geologists was flatter than the Florida landscape. Just as well, though: she had little interest in spending her life either in a laboratory or, heaven forbid, an oil field. So, of course, she went into journalism. After extremely low-paying but fun and educational stints at several suburban Chicago weeklies and dailies, Shirley and her then-boyfriend/now-husband Scott found themselves displaced by a media buyout and spending the next several years working as freelancers. Among their credits: The Chicago Tribune, a publication for the manufactured-housing industry, and Web Hosting Magazine, a now-defunct publication that came and went with the dotcom era. Shirley's always been concerned about nature and conservation (and an avid pack-rat, as her family can attest to), but became even more rabidly interested in the environment primarily due to two factors: the growing signs that global warming was real and threatening, and the birth of her son, Noah, in 2003. Suddenly, the prospect of a world that might not be quite as habitable in 40 or 50 years took on a whole new, and personal, meaning. Living where she lives now also helped light the fire of Shirley's environmental awareness: her hometown was severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and beaten up again by Hurricane Dennis in 2005. That, and the fact that she and her family were vacationing in New Orleans until the day before Katrina -- and spent 12 hours driving home for a trip that normally takes 3 -- has made Shirley deeply appreciate how fragile our lifestyles are, and how dependent they are on sound management of natural resources and sustainable living practices. That's why she's become a passionate reader and writer about all things green and sustainable.
9 Responses to Is Recession Good for the Environment?
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The less vacations, trips to the store, etc all add up. A recession is great for the environment.
Hello there. I tackled this same issue on my own blog, The Footprint, and came to a simple conclusion: the recession is good for the environment. You can read the whole thing here: http://zoniereport.com/2009/03/the-recession-is-good-for-the-environment/
Here’s the gist, though: “strong” world economic growth — say, the 5 percent or so we averaged in 2007, creates what mathematicians call “geometric” or “exponential” growth. So, at 5 percent growth, the world economy doubles every 13 years, give or take. Then the next time around, whatever was doubled doubles again, and so on. Does that sound sustainable? In a “recession” like the current one, growth is either negative or near zero.
So, from within my white middle-class bubble, I can only ask all those who demand a return to a high-growth world: where does this all end?
I agree. The recession definitely helps the economy. You only need to look at the SUV companies like Ford and GM struggling now to see that people are tightening their belts and driving less. Right now I am working overtime and buying as many stock and oil ETFs as possible. For the sake of the environment, I will hope the recession is long and deep, but if a recovery is on its way soon, I will be rich, so I can give a lot more to environmental causes.
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At the end, I am sure that recession does more damage to the economy than good, because during the recession stage there is less money in the market and in the banks. Threfore, if the money supply is reduced, then how can we bring new tehcnologies to improve our current inveromental damages?
Ummm, I happen to be among the thousands of people who have seen their incomes drop dramatically (my husband and I are both self-employed, and are feeling the effects of a down economy first-hand) while facing a mountain of debt to keep our family housed and fed. While I understand there are others much less fortunate (many of whom are in my family or who I know personally), I am living in anything but a cozy bubble.
The point of this post was to explore any possible upsides to a slowing economy, which — in my case — have included making a greater effort to conserve, reuse and grow my own food. These are all real steps I’ve taken to deal with a difficult situation, not self-indulgence and navel gazing. Why not have an honest, meaningful and blame-free discussion on the matter?
Notice you dont mention the thousands upon thousands of people who would lose their jobs in a recession…and wouldnt be able to feed their families…but then i dont suppose anything outside of your white middle class bubble concerns you does it?
Levi, I’ve found myself taking similar steps; for example, making my own bread more often than buying a loaf. My latest experiment: making my own wine. I’ll let you know how (or if) it turns out!
Shirley, I finally found time to read your post, as it’s been calling my attention. I think that your thoughts are very timely, and I definitely think it’s good that you have brought to our attention a potential benefit to recessions. Making people realize ways that they can save money and also the need to drive long distances can create long-term changes for the better, even if a recession is sometimes just a short-term event. I, for one, have started to make my own pizza crusts to try to save money. It’s very easy, and in Peru is saving us about $3 or $4 per pizza. Luckily, where we live right now does not require too much driving.